Seymour now parliamentary secretary to 3 ministers
New Parliamentary Secretary Dwayne Seymour with Governor Martyn Roper 
Governor Martyn Roper appoints Dwayne Seymour as Parliamentary Secretary 
(L-R) Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Premier Wayne Panton, PS Dwayne Seymour, Governor Martyn Roper, Deputy Premier Chris Saunders and Minister Kenneth Bryan
(CNS): Dwayne Seymour will act as the parliamentary secretary to three different ministers, after crossing the floor from the opposition benches to the PACT government. Already widely dubbed on social media as the ‘minister without portfolio’ following his decision to leave his former Progressive colleagues for what appears to be more fruitful political ground, he was sworn into the official role by Governor Martyn Roper on Wednesday.
Soon afterwards, as Parliament opened, Premier Wayne Panton formally announced he would be serving the labour, tourism and planning ministers, as well as assisting in other areas.
Panton lauded the arrival of the Bodden Town East MP as the thirteenth member of the PACT government, following a public meeting in Seymour’s constituency on Tuesday evening, where he revealed to voters that he was joining government.
The premier said the voice of his constituents would now be loudly heard and his addition to government had united the district of Bodden Town. Panton said the needs of the country were inter-connected beyond the electoral boundaries, as he welcomed Seymour’s experience as a former minister.
“I think he will add to the accomplishments of this government and utilize his experience as a former minister,” Panton said. “The move by Mr Seymour… to government strengthens us in our commitment to all of our people and to our country. His inclusion… will help us as we continue to offer the people leadership to create a more sustainable future for the Cayman Islands that balances the needs of society, the economy and the environment.”
Seymour, who noted that he remained an independent member of Parliament, said he was “excited to offer his experience” to PACT and that he had not crossed the floor in pursuit of political power.
The BTE member increases Panton’s majority significantly but also creates the possibility for more internal divisions and factions within the government, which is made up of independents who came together having campaigned on different agendas.
While Panton has promoted a united policy front for PACT, the current legal dispute between his ministry’s National Conservation Council and the Central Planning Authority under Jay Ebanks has already illustrated the problems he faces within a Cabinet where there is evident differences of opinion in key policy areas.
The opposition leader made no comment about Seymour’s departure from his side of the House. However, when he stood to speak in the budget debate, PPM Deputy Leader Joey Hew (GTN) gave voice to speculation circulating in the community, especially on social media and comment platforms, when he congratulated Seymour.
“That, I guess, fills all the seats and completes a united democratic PACT… short UDP…” he said, in reference to Speaker McKeeva Bush’s former political party, the United Democratic Party.
Former premier Alden McLaughlin (RED), when he spoke yesterday evening, wished Seymour well but said he had made a bad decision. Saying that he was not going to delve into the “murky waters” that surrounded the formation of the government after the last election, McLaughlin said, “I do believe that my dear friend… has made a bad political choice,” and that he had told him so many times.
Praising Seymour’s time as a minister, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, McLaughlin said he had worked really hard, and although many had made fun of him, including people sitting on the government benches now, he was a good man.
“I do hope he will be able to contribute to the work of the new government, because Lord knows they need all the help they can get,” he said.
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Category: Politics
6 in 1 and half a dozen in the other. Either way, this man is an embarassment to himself and any group he flips to.
As the saying goes, money talks and BS walks.
It sadly makes no difference what the principled and educated say about this buffoon.
He is there because he is voted into office by people like himself, and the rest of us have to suffer the consequences.
Sometimes, Democracy sucks.
There is no democracy in the Cayman Islands.
Majority of people can’t even vote.
Par. Secretary for Labor?????. Good riddance. Was his company not in issues re unpaid pensions within the last few years? Not that this matters as I made a report in Feb 2021 about my pensions not being paid in and have yet to receive an update much less a phone call from that office. However, With the latter being said, this govt and their boards are rife with persons who have flaunted or continue to flaunt various laws.
Out of that entire bunch, there is 1 just ONE that I give any respect or credibility to, and that’s the MP for WBS.
His Bodden town buddy has connections to another case of continued failure to pay pensions, in court again.
Can you imagine the mileage that Bill Maher, Seth Rogan, Trevor Noah or Stephen Colbert would get out of news like this. It’s so embarrassing to have politicians like this representing us on the international stage. Surely we can do better and be better represented?!
The reality is no one follows us seriously on the international stage.
We are a minnow.
I think you meant to say “a sprat”.
You’re right, 4 Pseudo intellects with their clapping seals of an audience would be right in lines with these clowns.
No one is watching those people so we’re safe.
There are a lot of regretful voters this morning. Voters that feel like fools for putting their trust and confidence in the likes of Wayne Panton, Chris Saunders and Kathy Ebanks-Wilks. Their conduct during that circle jerk for Dwayne Seymour is unforgivable and demonstrates that they lack the integrity to be involved in representational politics.
I’m sorry, but what qualifications/experience does he have to hold this position?
What qualifications do most of the ministers in this or past governments have?
To be fair, to expect that such a small population of eligible candidates would produce top tier, talented people with integrity and diverse skill sets to run a government is laughable.
What we should expect (and what we have) is people that are suitable to be on a town council of a town with a population of about 20,000 people.
It’s the same faulty logic where people think that such a small population can produce enough talented accountants, lawyers, doctors etc. It’s just not possible. It’s not a commentary on the Caymanian people who are just as bright and industrious as people anywhere else in the world.
It’s a simple numbers game – any given population has a certain percentage of intelligent people and stupid people. There aren’t enough bright, experienced people to go around. Most of them are happily employed already and don’t want to run for parliament.
America and the UK have millions in their population and the best they could show for leadership was Trump and Johnson.
I’m not defending the idiots we unfortunately have, but the leadership of a country speaks volumes on the population.
Wayne and Chris are just the Dumb and Dummer version of Trump and Pence… and and Trump and Pence were already a breathtaking level of stupidity. Don’t get me started on Boris! Great sense of style he has though.
But we’ve all watched the UK and US populist and racist policies unfold in plain site because that’s what these countries voted for.
Cayman’s leadership is just the result of people being stupid.
So ease up on the size comparison. Because the The US had a president that “trumped” all levels of stupidity and the UK swings a “Johnson” that’s full of bollocks.
Interesting point and well-taken.
Anonymous 03 @ 11:36 am – Absolutely correct! In addition, many very capable Caymanians are disgusted by our political system (hand-out mentality, unaccountability, etc) and the expectation of the majority of the electorate in respect to “hand-out” politics. Also, those same kind of Caymanians are disgusted by the corruption and worse, the acceptance of corruption, in the public sector (hand-out and “entitlement” politics), and would never taint their good names and reputations.
So, unfortunately, until the general tide turns (??) we will have greedy, loyalty-challenged, under-educated populists “leading” us!!
Mind you, the tide can turn – it did in 1976 for the worse, but pray it can switch back to the side of morality, good ethics and values and sensible leadership.
We need a good crop of civic-minded ex-Cayman Prep, Catholic and/or CIS graduates!! Hopefully in a few years!!
Let’s face it, unless a student is A++ stellar, general “graduates” of our government schools system are currently NOT equipped to be leaders in our island – civil or political!
Signed: born Caymanian who has witnessed better representation!!
A very prejudiced pseudo Caymanian
04 @ 10:24 pm – No, I’m a VERY prejudiced REAL Caymanian! I’m prejudiced against stupidity and corruption! The two main “factors” which have led us for far too long!!
But I gather you’re right on board with the status quo!
Good points 11:36. However, there is a bigger problem here and it all relates to education.
Here we are in a world financial services center and we turn out high school graduates who are totally ignorant in financial literacy. High school graduates don’t even know what a hedge fund is unless their parents work in the area and have picked up some knowledge from them, although over 85% of the worlds hedge funds are registered here.
21 American states and a number of Canadian provinces now require mandatory courses in financial literacy to graduate from high school. We should have the same requirements here.
We complain that Caymanians can’t find jobs here in financial services but when you have an education system that does not teach to the needs of the marketplace we will end up being dependent on expat expertise forever.
What is needed is a radical overhaul of what is basically a liberal arts British education system with a heavier application related to what people do here.
Make financial literacy mandatory to graduate from high school here.
Since when qualifications mattered to be an MLA?
I ddn’t know he could take dictation.
We the people wants to know how much PACT is going to pay him ?. How much raise of pay he getting, remember it’s the people money and we think we have the right to know, thanks.
‘The Right io Know” doesn’t mean squat in a situation like this. You will be told only what they decide to tell you. That’s the way it is…….. and always has been! IT’S THE WAY THE CIG OPERATES. They must keep a lot of information hidden away or the people might revolt! This is very unlikely, of course, because the people have been trained to act as sheep………….. VERY well-trained!
As the saying goes ” you never see smoke without fire” Sit back Cayman get your popcorn out and stay tuned for upcoming events. The boxing gloves are being tightened PACT will be packing nuff punches against themselves in just a short while from now. Mr. Premier you might want to put on your head gears because Chris and dem coming for you.
People are bashing him because he did not stay with a party; that is BS! Politics is about serving the people who voted for you and if sitting in one party is not conducive to that end goal, then you ask the people who voted for you and if they agree, then you move where you will be able to get things done. Simple. Case closed.
I think you might have all the right words in there 3:22, just not necessarily in all the right places
You really think JonJon is interested in “serving his people” ?
He’ll do what it takes to get re elected, apart from that…”what’s in this for me” ?
I think they’re all like that sadly.
I you would have to blind to not see what is coming
Wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this was true. They’re all just puppets being told what to do by the elite families and Mr. D.
I hope they give him all the legislation and documentation in extra big writing with pictures.
‘and although many had made fun of him,’
And you’re surprised why Alden? Donkeys, full moon sex, Gaypril, threats to journalists, woeful attempts at other languages….the list goes on.
The donkey guy is back!!! I’ve missed him and his yoga lockdown not using a personal trainer definitely not lady friend
Politics is back baby! On a donkey. Give him a microphone, he’s hilarious and completely bilingual most definitely
Shalom! That means turkey in Martian
Based and completely unironic
Wayne Panton’s PACT just increased their collective IQ by a decimal point.
“Increased”? A whole point? You gotta be kidding!!!
Decreased 1.45,Decreased.
Do the politicians have no principles? They all just swap sides so readily setting aside any ideals and policies they might have, just to go to whoever is going to pay them the most or give them the greater opportunity to earn/benefit from their position.
It’s truly sickening.
To 1:32pm: If sitting in one side is not going to help you improve the quality of life of the people you represent, why stay? People are chosen to get things done, not smooth the feathers of this Party or the next.
@ 1:32pm – Exactly! Populism, not idealism. They are too dumb and shallow to realize that. But check the response @ 3:26 pm, that’s the general view of the electorate and hence the politicians. “What can you do for me”, not us as an island territory. Me and mine mentality! They always use that “get things done for my people” lame-ass excuse for their lack of loyalty to any “ideal”! They don’t have the concept of both sides working together for the PEOPLE! Most have been and continue to be, power hungry morons!! This bunch of mostly un-exposed and (un-lot’s of things) with their uncouth mentor is arguably the worst since 1976 -1984!!
Cayman has no political maturity, indeed what we had from the late 1950s through the 60s and early 70s was actually dragged backwards into this type of pay-for-play shit-show by J. M. Bodden and his various Teams and bozos have continued it ever since.
And there are some who have called one another “Statesman” and/or consider themselves the same. LOL! Couldn’t even wipe a Statesman’s butt!
Our best and brightest from Bodden Town will lead the way.
WOW. Parliamentary Secretary to 3 Ministers. The next McKeeva in the works.
Doesn’t get any better.
Salary x3 ? ? ?
I wonder what the Queen is thinking looking down at that lot in the third picture! Could have a caption competition.
“Is that you Phil? You look different”.
“God save me”
“I not see nuttin”.
“When’s the next full moon I wonder?”
Parliamentary Secretary, are you kidding me? The man can barely string a sentence together. Does this job require writing speeches, or maybe just repeating words and phrases in foreign languages, or maybe in tongues again?
My guess for his new post would have been Parliamentary Chauffeur, giving donkey rides to politicians, at least that would be a greener option over using their juggernaut SUVs.
Well now the Unity Donkey Party finally have their mascot, I meant missing link. What more jaw dropping developments might we see as their chain twists and tensions, will it hold or fatigue and bust a link or two?
All this begs the question though, why did the donkey cross the floor in the first place, maybe he saw the trough was bigger on the other side?
The pot is on the fire my friend. The head chef is CS. He has “Power” on the menu. Soon a very soon now the final dish will be served.
It will be. Jerk dish for sure.
Cow foot.
I hear Cow Cod is the Bodden Town special of the day.
No!!! He saw the ASSES he really belongs to.
For those people who wondering why Jon Jon decided to make his move, let me enlighten you. It’s pretty simple if you follow the money and read up on your history of how the UDP operated – many of the PACT are former members of UDP including Jon Jon who was UDP a minister. As a former member of the coalition /PPM Jon Jon put all his eggs in that basket although as an independent he played both sides. The PACT didn’t want or need him because by taking Mac they had the numbers.
So why all of a sudden did the start courting Jon Jon? Even he was surprised by the public performances of Julie, Jay, Chris and Kenneth. It all started to make sense when Jon Jon was spotted being courted by a big developer least week. For those that don’t understand how things get done in government, here is a quick lesson. Big developers and investors bring their proposals to caucus, who evaluate the benefits, requests for duty relief, etc. After doing this they vote on whether it should go ahead. What ever the result, government members are bound by collective responsibility (e.g. majority vote wins and they all have to go along with it ). That’s why they need Jon Jon. The pro development group needs another vote to get 3 big projects approved – all falling under the infrastructure ministry. New airport, new port, more tall building, and the list goes on. I didn’t hear Wayne or Andre begging Jon Jon to join. Many people questioned the new board selections, but now it all makes sense. Follow the money people!
If that is true then it is truly frightening 🙁 the PACT ran on transparency but the T might as well stand for treachery.
That method of operating is actually an invention of the Progressives, to keep our domestic political discussions away from the UK, present a united front in Cabinet, and make the meetings short and decisions not up for debate. The downsides are numerous of course, I just wanted you to know this is nothing new and was not PACT’s idea about how to run government here.
Caymanian voters should be ashamed and embarrassed on many levels with where we have ended up.
But many will say there was not anyone good to vote for.
We need better people to run so we get over this cycle of rinse and repeat with the same lot.
Expats. Viting for the inconpetent bunch will never fix Cayman.
Especially the voters in BTW, GTC, and NS and to some extent CBE. Just take a good look at who we have as Ministers:
MP for NEW- has experience, education and knowledge
MP for BTW- some experience but is arrogant, pompous and brings a certain level of nepotism,
MP for NS- beyond his intellectual capacity, Ill mannered and education level is slim to none,
MP for GTC- a mouth champion and social media nuisance,
MP for PRO- has some level of education, but is threading water at the deep end of the pool,
MP for CBE- well experienced in straddling fences, but prays fervently,
MP for WBS- THE best out of all of them
MP for WBN- same as the fella from NS
What a stellar bunch aren’t they.
The donkeys have taken over the asylum.
Jon Jon is an insult to donkeys!
the quality of our politics just keeps reminding me of the muppet show:https://youtu.be/5zaQgbACc1E
The premier said the voice of his constituents would now be loudly heard and his addition to government had united the district of Bodden Town.
I hope this doesn’t mean that the voice of constituents are ignored if the MP is not a member of the government. The last thing we need is petty piques and quarrels that might, for example, see the streets of Prospect paved but not those in Red Bay.
“For his people” by the way. Deff not for a new spot for him!
John John is Dumb Dumb.
Well thank goodness Jon Jon is back, we can all sleep soundly, the country is in safe hands again.
In all seriousness, look at that line up of ministers. Talk about the patients running the asylum.
my guess is a this point we have patients, orderlies and doctors switching roles on a monthly basis. quite the confusing situation!